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Toyota • Airbags • Engine Problems • Cruise Control • Cooling System • Safety • Toyota Motor Credit • Avalon • Echo • Prius • Scion • Tacoma • Tundra --- Reviews • 2007 Corolla • 2006 Prius • 2007 Camry --- News • Toyota Faces Class Action Demanding Full Refunds • Toyota Denies Prius Recall is in the Works • Pontiac Vibe Sucked Into Toyota Recall • Toyota Takes Aim At Critics • Consumers Say Sudden Acceleration Problems Nothing New • Consumers Describe Sudden Acceleration Experiences • Some Repaired Toyotas Still Suddenly Accelerating, Owners Claim • Two Toyota Models Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick Award • Experts: Toyota Faces Challenge Winning Back Consumer Confidence • Survey: Toyota Image Slips Among Its Current Customers • New York Toyota Owners to Get Help With Recalled Vehicles • Toyota Memo Bragged About Limiting 2007 Recall • Feds Receive New Toyota Fatality Reports • Toyota Recalls Impact Online Car Shopping • Toyota Plans Incentives, Longer Warranties to Win Back Consumers • Toyota Seeks to Repair Brand As Well As Cars • Toyota Announces Accelerator Pedal Fix • Toyota Suspends Sales of Popular Models Plagued by Sticking Accelerators • Toyota Announces Recall to Fix Runaway Acceleration • Toyota Recalling 110,000 Tundra Pickups • Toyota Raises Prices, Prius Jumps $400 • Quality Auditor Charges Toyota Cover-Up • Toyota Agrees to Oil-Sludge Settlement • Toyota Camry Named "Car of the Year" • Software Glitch Slows Some 2007 Camrys • Is Toyota's Quality Slipping? • Toyota Delays U.S. Sales of New Corolla to Improve Quality • Facing Massive Recalls, Toyota Executives Promise to Do Better • Toyota Recalls Near 800,000 for July • Japanese Probe Recall Delay at Toyota • Toyota Builds More Efficient Gasoline Engines • Toyota Cuts Entry-Level Camry Price, Boosts Luxury Model • Toyota Dons NASCAR Racing Gear • Toyota Sludge

James of San Jose CA (01/24/07)
Without warning, my 2000 Toyota 4-Runner started leeking large amounts of oil. On my way to my mechanic, the engine froze and it had to be towed. When the engine froze, it was the only time the indicators came on.

Prior to this, the indicators never came on. My mechanic informed me that the leakage effected the engine and led to its death. I would have to get another engine to the tune of 7,000. The car only had 75,000 miles on it. I purchased this particular brand because of their reputation of integrity and longitivity of the car. I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place, having to come up with this amount of money.

My research had shown that there is documentation that Toyota had problems with faulty engines in their 3.4 liter V6 vehicles. I have read accounts from other owners describing the exact same serenio that I experience. I was never notified of a recall.

Do I have any recourse with this problem? Is there a next step for me?

Meshika of Escondido, CA January 16, 2007

Meshika of Escondido CA (01/16/07)
This is in reference to the oil sludge settlement. I received the letter late November 2006. I own a 1997 camery which I purchased used. I had an oil change done shortly before I received the notice in the mail regarding the settlement.

My vehicle has been smoking periodically for several months. I had the oil change doing thinking that maybe that would help eliviate the problem. It didn't. Shortly after having the oil change (about 2 weeks later), my oil light came one. So I took it into the Toyota dealership in Escondido, CA. The technician looked at it and said that it did have the oil sludge problem. But because my engine light did not come on, he had to consult with the Toyota representative first before proceeding with repairs. He said that if the check engine light had come on, he could proceed with approval. So I waited on his call. When he got back to me, he said that claim was denied. He said that I would have to call this 800 number to proceed further on my own, but he couldn't anything for me.

So I called the 800 number. It was the number to the 3rd party hired by Toyota to settle the claims. I believe the gentleman I spoke with was David. I explained to him of the events that had happened. He said that they had been told that if they received claims with any one of the 3 signs: smoke, oil light coming on, and/or check engine light, they were to be approved.

However, because of the timing, he was denying my claim. The claim had to be submitted within 8 years of the original purchase date. I have a 1997 Camery so my cut off time would have been in 2005. He said that I could try paying for the repairs myself and then submitting a reimbursement. He could not guarantee that I would be reimburse but to try it. I don't have that kind of money. I am a single parent on one income.

This is a complete unfair advantage to those of us that own 1997 vehicles. Our make and models are included on this settlement, however, we are excluded because of the timing issue. I asked the gentleman at the 800 when the notices were originally sent out, and he said November 2006. I asked because I thought that maybe Toyota owners were notified before and I didn't get the notice. But that is not the case at all.

We are just completely excluded. And why are the dealerships and the 3rd party arbitration people giving out 2 different guidelines on claim acceptance. I do have the exact number. If someone should choose to contact me, I will be able to provide everything in detail.

Marsha of Statesboro, GA December 27, 2006

Marsha of Statesboro GA (12/27/06)
I leased a 1997 Toyota Camry in 1997. Within a year the engine light came on. I was told it justed needed to be serviced and made an appointment to have the oil changed. Which was two days later. The next day the engine blew. I had always had the car serviced timely at the dealer and one other business. I have the paperwork to substantiate this.

The dealership informed me then that this was my problem. I was told I would have to pay to replace the engine. Being a single parent that was completely out the question. I did contact a lawyer and explained the situation. His advice was just to let the car go. Which I did. I lost my credit and was stuck without any transportation. My family had to step in and help me out. This was a very difficult time for my daughter and I. I lost close to 10,000 in this matter and hope that this claim can be somewhat rectified. From all the notices received in the mail I can assume that I might realize some compensation for my losses.

Marty of Lawrenceville, GA December 20, 2006

Marty of Lawrenceville GA (12/20/06)
Service Manager indicated that a new engine would be installed in a 2005 Toyota Corolla after determining the engine block was cracked. The 2005 Corolla has 40,000 miles and has had all of its scheduled maintenance by Toyota Mall of Georgia including a 30,000 mile service. 3 days after dropping the car off for repair, I was informed that the car was ready and that they did not install a new engine as promised. I was told that they just installed a engine block. The only indications of this condition was the car was running hot and a loss of antifreeze. There were no leaks or no indicator lights. The service manager bragged on how Toyota will intall a new engine and how this is covered in the warranty unlike other car dealers. He then decided to take this repair to a lesser level by just replacing the block.

Daniella of Franklin Square, NY December 13, 2006

Daniella of Franklin Square NY (12/13/06)
The engine blew. We have had problems with a 2000 Toyota Corolla that we bought there. The check engine/Oil light came on in the car within 2 weeks after pick up. The car has been in 3 times already.

It took them a few days to finally call me and tell me this. Now they want money for the loaner car. They have made no attempt to advise me. Pretty much they say I am stuck with this vehicle. 6500.00 for 4 months.

Regis of Ruwi, OTHER September 12, 2006

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